Covington Catholic's Donovan Bradshaw (4) and Conner's Holten Raider (22) go head to head at tip off in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) dribbles the ball down the court in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Conner on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Covington Catholic's Teegan Stava (13) lays the ball in the basket in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) looks for an open man in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis (1) gets ready to drive down the lane in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Conner's Tyler Warner (25) fouls Covington Catholic's Dylan Gaiser (3) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Covington Catholic's Dylan Gaiser (3) shoots two from the foul line in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis goes to the basket in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Conner's Finn Louden waits for his shot against pressure from Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Conner's Juan Rondon (15) controls the ball against pressure from Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis (1) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Conner's Finn Louden (21) shoots over Covington Catholic's Teegan Stava (13) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Covington Catholic Coach Jake Thelen calls a play in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Conner on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Conner's Juan Rondon (15) moves the ball down the court in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.
Conner's Logan Back (13) shoots from the outside in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Covington Catholic on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Conner's Finn Louden (21) dribbles down the court in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.
Conner's Brady Bushman (10) goes up for a basket against pressure from Covington Catholic's Dylan Courtney (11) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Conner's Brady Bushman (10) is fouled by a Covington Catholic defender in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Conner's Brady Bushman (10) shoots two at the foul line in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.
Conner's Juan Rondon (15) moves the ball down the court in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.
Conner's Juan Rondon (15) tries for a basket over Covington Catholic's Donovan Bradshaw (4) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026..
Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis closely defends a Conner shooter in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) leaves the court in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Conner's Tyler Warner (25) moves the ball in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.
A Covington Catholic defender blocks the shot of Conner's Juan Rondon (15) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Conner's Finn Louden (21) charges through Covington Catholic traffic in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Covington Catholic's Donovan Bradshaw (4) boxes out a Cougar player in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
The Covington Colonel Crazies like what they see against Conner in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Conner Coach Nathan Ronald Browning watches his team play against Covington Catholic in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Covington Catholic's Donovan Bradshaw (4) shoots from the outside in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Covington Catholic sophomore Dylan Courtney (11) goes up for a dunk in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) drives the ball to the basket in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Conner cheerleaders support their team in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.
Covington Catholic junior John Brecount (21) goes up for a dunk in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Covington Catholic players watch from the bench in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Covington Catholic junior John Brecount (21) goes up for a basket in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.
Covington Catholic freshman Luke Holtzapfel (31) passes to a teammate in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Conner on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Covington Catholic junior Carson Bode (5) holds the ball as time ticks down in their win against Conner to in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.1 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Donovan Bradshaw (4) and Conner's Holten Raider (22) go head to head at tip off in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.1 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Donovan Bradshaw (4) and Conner's Holten Raider (22) go head to head at tip off in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.2 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) dribbles the ball down the court in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Conner on Sunday, March 8, 2026.3 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Teegan Stava (13) lays the ball in the basket in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.4 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) looks for an open man in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.5 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis (1) gets ready to drive down the lane in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.6 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Tyler Warner (25) fouls Covington Catholic's Dylan Gaiser (3) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.7 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Dylan Gaiser (3) shoots two from the foul line in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.8 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis goes to the basket in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.9 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Finn Louden waits for his shot against pressure from Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.10 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Juan Rondon (15) controls the ball against pressure from Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis (1) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.11 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Finn Louden (21) shoots over Covington Catholic's Teegan Stava (13) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.12 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic Coach Jake Thelen calls a play in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Conner on Sunday, March 8, 2026.13 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Juan Rondon (15) moves the ball down the court in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.14 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Logan Back (13) shoots from the outside in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Covington Catholic on Sunday, March 8, 2026.15 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Finn Louden (21) dribbles down the court in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.16 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Brady Bushman (10) goes up for a basket against pressure from Covington Catholic's Dylan Courtney (11) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.17 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Brady Bushman (10) is fouled by a Covington Catholic defender in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.18 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Brady Bushman (10) shoots two at the foul line in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.19 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Juan Rondon (15) moves the ball down the court in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.20 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Juan Rondon (15) tries for a basket over Covington Catholic's Donovan Bradshaw (4) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026..21 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis closely defends a Conner shooter in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.22 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) leaves the court in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.23 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Tyler Warner (25) moves the ball in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.24 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
A Covington Catholic defender blocks the shot of Conner's Juan Rondon (15) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.25 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner's Finn Louden (21) charges through Covington Catholic traffic in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.26 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Donovan Bradshaw (4) boxes out a Cougar player in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.27 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
The Covington Colonel Crazies like what they see against Conner in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.28 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner Coach Nathan Ronald Browning watches his team play against Covington Catholic in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.29 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Donovan Bradshaw (4) shoots from the outside in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.30 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic sophomore Dylan Courtney (11) goes up for a dunk in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.31 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) drives the ball to the basket in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.32 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Conner cheerleaders support their team in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Covington Catholic.33 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic junior John Brecount (21) goes up for a dunk in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.34 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic players watch from the bench in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.35 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic junior John Brecount (21) goes up for a basket in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.36 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic freshman Luke Holtzapfel (31) passes to a teammate in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Conner on Sunday, March 8, 2026.37 / 37Our top photos from CovCath-Conner, Ryle-Lloyd in Ninth Region semis
Covington Catholic junior Carson Bode (5) holds the ball as time ticks down in their win against Conner to in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026.The Ryle Raiders have made a little school history in this year's Ninth Region tournament.
Yesterday's win over Newport marked the first regional tournament win since 2011. With a 64-37 semifinal win over Lloyd Memorial, they are into their first regional final since Justin Doellman took them to the state tournament in 2002.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"Our motto with our guys has been '32 minutes to get 32 more.' Whatever happens on Tuesday night, if we're able to continue playing, which is our plan, that's gonna be great. Whenever the season ends, we'll go back and take the opportunity to really look back on what this team has been able to accomplish," Ryle head coach Nick Dorning said.
Ryle's Anthony Coppola brings the ball up the court during a Ninth Region semifinal game against Lloyd Memorial on March 8, 2026.It was a game of runs for Ryle, which got out to an 8-2 lead in four minutes with contributions from Anthony Coppola, Holden Smith, A.J. Davis and Grace Nsuti.
While Isiah Golsby kept the Juggernauts in the game early, five different Raiders sparked a 11-3 run for a 35-23 halftime lead.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLloyd shot 44 percent from the field in the first half but took just 18 shots, compared to Ryle's 73 percent conversion rate on 22 shots.
Lloyd Memorial's Anthony Blaackar (2) drives into the lane during a Ninth Region semifinal game against Ryle on March 8, 2026."We just had really good prep for them. We knew what we were gonna do. We had a good scouting report this morning and just came out and executed," Smith said.
The junior finished with a game-high 18 points and has taken a very workman-like approach to the season. Dorning attested to the work he put in in the offseason, both on the court and in the weight room, contributing to his 17.3 points per game this season.
"Holden is an awesome kid. Not a man of many words but a man of hard work and work ethic," Dorning said.
Ryle's Nathan Colemire (1) boxes out Lloyd Memorial's Colten Barger (12) during a Ninth Region semifinal game between the Raiders and Juggernauts on March 8, 2026.While Blaackar, who finished with a team-high 16 points, sparked a 9-2 run late in the third quarter, Smith beat the buzzer with a corner triple, sparking a 12-0 run that stretched into the fourth quarter.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMeanwhile, the Juggernauts failed to score for almost four minutes. Part of the struggle was that they couldn't get quality looks, either in the halfcourt or in transition, against a Ryle team that emphasizes "walling up" on that end of the court.
"We came out slow, we had no energy. We kind of got some energy in the quarter, but (Ryle) brought it," Lloyd Memorial coach Mike Walker said.
Lloyd Memorial's Isiah Golsby looks for room to drive during a Ninth Region semifinal game against Ryle on March 8, 2026.Lloyd graduates six seniors: Blaackar, Corrie Criner, Isiah Golsby, Nishawn Golsby, L.J. Herron and Billy Lewis. Despite being picked eighth in the region and third in the 34th District in the preseason, the Juggernauts went 25-3 and have gone 26-0 against district foes en route to four straight district titles.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"That's impressive. Let's turn the narrative to, 'Congrats to this team.' No one picked us to be here and we were. It hurts for the seniors. It's their last time playing, which I get. It's always emotional, but for this type of season, it's unbelievable to be where we were at," Walker said.
Even after graduating two of the best players in school history in consecutive years (Blaackar and E.J. Walker), Mike Walker is excited for the future. Jason Kabeya averaged 10.2 games as a sophomore and Colten Barger has just as much potential on the court as he does on the football field. Doubt the Juggernauts if you want, but they aren't going anywhere.
Ryle: Smith 8 1 18, Coppola 5 2 13, Nsuti 5 2 12, Davis 4 2 10, Broz 2 0 4, Colemire 1 0 3, Warner 1 0 2, Draine 1 0 2. Totals: 27 7 64.
Lloyd: Blaackar 6 4 16, I Golsby 5 2 14, Kabeya 1 1 3, Colemen 1 0 3, Barger 0 1 1. Totals: 13 8 37.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHalf: R 35-23. 3-pointers: R 3 (Colemire, Coppola, Smith); L 3 (I Golsby 2, Colemen).
Covington Catholic rides offense to Ninth Region title game
The Colonels made history of their own in the first game of Sunday's semifinals. A 92-41 win marked the largest single-game margin of victory in the Ninth Region tournament in the 21st century.
"Credit to our guys. They were locked in, and when they're locked in, it's fun to coach them," CovCath head coach Jake Thelen said.
Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis (1) gets ready to drive down the lane in the semifinal game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026, against Conner.The Colonels got out to a 8-0 lead in less than two minutes, half of those points coming on fast breaks. The offense was spurred by the defense, which forced nine turnovers and held the Cougars to 26 percent from the field in the first 16 minutes. Finn Louden, the Ninth Region's leading scorer this season, was held without a field goal attempt for the first seven minutes. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds and two assists.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere really are few words to describe the Colonels' dominance this season. According to statistician Dave Wear, this year's squad has the second-highest scoring average in school history. No Ninth Region team has come within 18 points, the tightest win coming by a 72-54 final score against Dixie Heights.
Four of the five starters finished in double figures on Sunday night. After hitting just two three-pointers in the first quarter, they knocked down six the rest of the way. Much like Travis Steele and the undefeated Miami RedHawks, Thelen doesn't call many set plays for his team; he knows their talent and capabilities.
Conner's Finn Louden waits for his shot against pressure from Covington Catholic's Cash Harney (2) in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 8, 2026."(Coach) trusts me, Braeden (Myrick) and Cash (Harney) to go make plays. That's kind of the heart and soul of it is players coach trusts," senior Athens McGillis said.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the Colonels' starters have sparingly played deep into the fourth quarter over the last month, the bench brings just as much intensity. Luke Wischer, Lucas Hoyt and John Brecount, just to name a few, were still forcing turnovers and altering shots in the waning stages of the game.
Covington Catholic Coach Jake Thelen calls a play in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Conner on Sunday, March 8, 2026.When CovCath does need to play a full 32-minute game, they are confident they will be able to because of the intensity of their practices.
"We're always practicing with heart and intensity. I'm prepared for any atmosphere, whether it's a more physical team," McGillis said.
Conner, playing in its first regional tournament since 2022, graduates four seniors: Louden, Logan Back, Brady Bushman and Holten Raider.
Conner's Logan Back (13) shoots from the outside in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Covington Catholic on Sunday, March 8, 2026."It's my second year at Conner so I didn't coach those seniors all the way through, but that senior group's been instrumental in laying the foundation for the way we wanna do things," Conner coach Nathan Browning said.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCovington Catholic: McGillis 10 0 22, Harney 8 0 18, Myrick 6 0 15, Bradshaw 7 0 14, Gaiser 2 2 6, Bode 2 0 4, Courtney 2 0 4, Brecount 2 0 4, Hoyt 1 0 3, Stava 1 0 2. Totals: 41 2 92.
Conner: Louden 5 2 12, Back 3 0 8, Bushman 1 2 5, Bloom 1 2 5, Warner 2 1 5, Raider 2 0 4, Nipper 0 1 1, Smith 0 1 1. Totals: 14 9 41.
Half: CC 62-23. 3-pointers: CC 8 (Myrick 3, McGillis 2, Harney 2, Hoyt); C 4 (Back 2, Bushman, Bloom),
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Covington Catholic, Ryle advance to 2026 KHSAA Ninth Region final
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